By Michael Reeve

‘I can’t imagine a motive’; RCMP begin investigation into senseless killing of wild horses near Walhachin

Mar 16, 2023 | 11:30 AM

ASHCROFT, B.C. — Sometime in the past three weeks, somebody shot and killed 17 horses in the hills above Thompson River Estates between Kamloops and Ashcroft. The RCMP Livestock section is now attempting to find a motive for the senseless killings.

“They don’t belong to anyone. They have been roaming that area for a long time, like several other areas of the province that have feral horses that are just there. I can’t imagine a motive for why someone would want to do it. Especially where it was — they weren’t bothering anyone,” said Cpl. Cory Lepine.

RCMP were alerted to the killings Friday (Mar. 10). Lepine was able to confirm that some evidence was collected at the scene but cautioned the investigation could take some time. He noted that the horses were found spread throughout the area.

“There were two separate areas, one with six and the other with about 11, and they were spread out over quite a distance individually. They weren’t in a group. Whoever did this definitely took the time to track them or follow them one-by-one and shoot them,” said Lepine.

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RCMP investigators from the force’s Forensic Identification Section were joined by a livestock investigator and a veterinarian in probing the scene this past weekend.

“I’ve been to other situations, neglect-type situations where the numbers were high, but as far as out on the range, a random animal, this is definitely the largest. We do have range animals. Most of the time it’s cows that are shot for no apparent reason. But this is definitely very troubling”

The 17 wild horses did have cultural significance to the Skeetchestn First Nation band, but the band declined to comment to CFJC Today. The RCMP is working with the band on the investigation.

UPDATE: Late in the day, the Skeetchestn Band provided CFJC Today with this statement: